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Jones questions minister's inactions on
Trans Labrador Highway Liberal Opposition Critic and MHA for the District of Cartwright L’Anse au Clair, Yvonne Jones, says the provincial government’s lack of hustle with respect to the Trans Labrador Highway (TLH) is jeopardizing the project’s funding commitments and its very future. The Liberal MHA questioned transportation minister John Hickey in the House of Assembly today on why more has not been done to secure federal funding, and why reports are surfacing that the federal government has not received a funding proposal from the province. The minister could only lamely respond that they are "working" on the project. "The fact of that matter is that a year ago, the previous minister, together with the current minister, announced with tremendous fanfare that the province would ante up $50 million for this critical infrastructure project. They also committed to seeking matching dollars from the federal government," says Jones. "All indications are that a business case to solicit the funds for the TLH has not even been prepared and submitted, nor given a priority by this government. This neglect and sleeping at the wheel by this government is simply outrageous!" "The minister indicated in August that a roads deal would be signed off by December. With just days away from that deadline, the anticipated gift under the tree is unfortunately not going to materialize. A great many Labradorians will be once again disappointed by government’s failure to more swiftly move this project to fruition." What is even more disconcerting says Jones is that the government has a written commitment from the prime minister to offer up funds to complete the TLH. "Again, government has not even made the effort to hold them accountable for this election pledge. The self-described great negotiator himself, the premier, has not even been able to stick the federal government’s feet to the fire on this promise. "Ironically, the premier and his government are all gung-ho about connecting us with more fibre-optic lights to advance our economy and our quality of life; and yet, we have a region in the province where a proper highway does not even exist. This is also this same government who can motor on with its mouth about how committed they are to Labrador and its people. What we have seen since this government came to office is a motley crew of ministers and a premier committed only to companies and not to the people."
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